Qrow Branwen/Behind the Scenes

Throughout the production of a series, a lot goes on behind the scenes in regards to planning and design, which often go through multiple stages before resulting in the final version that is seen on screen. Some concepts and ideas can have an effect on the show and characters, and unexpected occurrences during production can also lead to changes and additions to the plans for the show.

Contents

Character Basis

His persistent drinking of alcohol - a substance known for impairing judgment - may be a reference to the Scarecrow's "brainlessness." Though the fact he still functions and fights even intoxicated could refer to the Scarecrow still being able to think and plan despite not having a brain.

The Scarecrow sought out a brain in the original story. Qrow works for Ozpin by gathering intelligence.

In the Volume 3 episode "End of the Beginning", Qrow notes that now Ozpin is gone, he has to pick up where he left off. This could be a nod to how Scarecrow took over as ruler of Emerald City when Oz left in the original book.

Role for Another Character's Allusion

Some characters stand in as a certain role for another character's allusion, separately from their own. Qrow stands in as Muninn,[2] to Raven's Huginn allusion. Muninn is a raven who flies around the world gathering information for Odin. Specifically, he alludes to the poem Grímnismál. This has had the following influences on the character and show:

Qrow is named after a very similar bird to the type that Muninn is. There is no consistent distinction between crows and ravens, beyond their size and basic appearance, and both are of the genus Corvus.

"Hugin and Munin fly each day over the spacious earth. I fear for Hugin, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Munin."

Prior to the events of Volume 3, Qrow spent his time going on missions around Remnant gathering information for Ozpin. This is very similar to how Muninn traveled the world to gather information for Odin.

Ozpin granted Qrow the ability to transform between a crow and human form. Similarly, Odin granted Huginn and Muninn the ability to speak.

Appearance

Production

While only officially given a name by Monty Oum when RWBY was created, the character Qrow is based on what had been a brainchild of the show's creator for nearly a decade. He had gone through many design iterations, but both his personality and combat style have essentially prevailed over the years.[4]

Vic Mignogna met the Rooster Teeth crew while attending a convention in Australia, and a few weeks later accepted their invitation to voice Qrow. Mignogna recorded his lines at his home studio, with multiple deliveries so the producers could pick the most adequate.[5]

After Volume 3, Rooster Teeth changed animation software from Poser Pro 2013 to Autodesk Maya. With this change, the animation department also made all new models for RWBY.